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Szczawnica

  • 1839
  • Spa town
  • Surrounded by mountains

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Szczawnica is an ideal destination for those seeking health and wellness, thanks to its mineral waters, which have a beneficial effect on health. Additionally, the town offers numerous green areas with trees that release health-promoting essential oils. Located in the Grajcarek Valley, between the Pieniny Mountains and the Silesian Beskid, Szczawnica is also an excellent place for mountain enthusiasts, kayaking lovers, and cyclists. Furthermore, it boasts charming wooden architecture with elements of Zakopane and Swiss styles, as well as a promenade stretching along the Grajcarek River.

  • Etymology of the name Szczawnica

    The name Szczawnica comes from the acidic mineral springs located in the area, known as “szczawy.” These springs are formed by tectonic activity, which is why they are saturated with carbon dioxide. They also have a high sodium content, which is beneficial for health.

  • Mineral waters

    Thanks to the geological conditions in Szczawnica, you can sample various mineral waters at the Mineral Water Pavilion on Dietla Square. It is open from Monday to Thursday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM and from Friday to Sunday between 9:00 AM and 8:00 PM. The pavilion offers the following waters: Helena, Jan, Józef, Józefina, and Stefan, which you can drink on the premises or take home with you.

  • The promenade along the Grajcarek stream

    The promenade along the Grajcarek stream in Szczawnica is one of the longest pedestrian promenades in Poland (1800 m). It is an ideal place for cyclists and pedestrians who want to enjoy the beauty of the mountains. The route starts at the lower station of the cable car to Palenica and ends at the Dunajec River, from where you can continue your journey to Slovakia.

  • Volcanoes in the Pieniny Mountains

    Bryjarka and Jarmuty, rising above Szczawnica, are remnants of extinct volcanoes. By climbing to the summits of both mountains, we can observe volcanic rocks that are unique to the Beskid Mountains, making them a true geological gem of this region.

  • The origin of mineral waters

    Near volcanoes, gases are released, mainly carbon dioxide, known as “volcanic emanations.” Although the volcanoes in the Pieniny Mountains became extinct long ago, these gases remain trapped in the rocks. When water encounters carbon dioxide in the ground, it becomes acidic, which facilitates the dissolution of the rocks it flows through. This leads to the mineralization of the water. Such mineralized, acidic mineral waters emerge at the foot of Bryjarka, which contributed to the development of the popular spa town of Szczawnica. The motif of Bryjarka appears on the town’s coat of arms, emphasizing the importance of this mountain for the spa.

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Szczawnica

Spa resort | Pieniny Mountains

Szczawnica, located in the Grajcarka valley, is an ideal place for those seeking a spa retreat. The town’s main asset is its mineral water (formed by volcanic emissions), which has a beneficial effect on health. Therefore, the Mineral Water Pavilion on Dietla Square is a place worth visiting. The numerous green areas and larch tree parks also have a positive effect on the body, releasing health-promoting essential oils that aid in regeneration.

The town is situated between the Pieniny and Silesian Beskid mountain ranges, making it attractive to fans of mountain hikes. Kayaking, cycling, or hiking in the Pieniny National Park are just some of the attractions that Szczawnica offers. In addition to its natural beauty, the town captivates with its unique architecture. Wooden buildings with Zakopane and Swiss elements, which can be seen while strolling through the Upper and Lower Parks and on Dietla Square, add charm to this spa town. The promenade along the Grajcarka River, with its wooden gazebos and benches, invites you to relax and observe nature. While staying in Szczawnica, it is worth taking a trip on the cable car to Palenica, from where there is an amazing view of the town, the promenade along the Grajcarka River, and the Pieniny Mountains. At the top of Palenica, you can admire sculptures depicting animals and plants, as well as enjoy the gravity slide and breathtaking views.

Everyone who visits Szczawnica will find something for themselves here. Whether it's a relaxing walk among the green areas, a place for further excursions, or moments of relaxation by the health-giving mineral waters, this town will certainly leave beautiful memories and a desire to return.


Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Co robić w okolicach Szczawnicy?

    Atrakcje

    1

    Udając się busem poza tereny Szczawnicy, można zobaczyć: Jezioro Czorsztyńskie oraz dwa zamki położo...

  • Co jest ciekawego w Szczawnicy?

    Atrakcje

    2

    W Szczawnicy warto zobaczyć Park Dolny i Górny, plac Dietla, promenadę nad Grajcarkiem, widok na Dun...

  • Co warto zobaczyć na Słowacji blisko Szczawnicy?

    Atrakcje

    3

    Słowacja oferuje wiele atrakcji niedaleko Szczawnicy. Można odwiedzić Czerwony Klasztor, skorzystać ...

  • W jakich górach leży Szczawnica?

    Szlaki

    4

    Szczawnica leży na granicy Pienin i Beskidu Sądeckiego w dolinie rzeki Grajcarek. Przez miasto płyni...

  • Czy są termy w Szczawnicy?

    Atrakcje

    5

    W Szczawnicy nie ma wód termalnych, ale w okolicy można skorzystać z takich miejsc jak Terma Bania w...

  • Co robić w Szczawnicy, gdy pada deszcz?

    Atrakcje

    6

    Można wybrać się do wielu karczm, restauracji czy kawiarni, pozwolić sobie również na relaks w spa l...

Story

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    Dietl Square

    Meeting place

    Dietl Square in Szczawnica can be reached by following the paths of the Upper Park. Initially, the square was the bed of the Szczawny Stream. It was only in the 19th century, thanks to the initiative of Józef Szalay, that it was transformed into a market square for visitors to the spa. The square is named after Józef Dietl, a balneologist and friend of Szalay, whose obelisk can be admired in the southern part of the square. In the center, there is a fountain with a bronze sculpture entitled "Woman with a Jug." The buildings surrounding the square, built in the Swiss style, such as the House by the Springs, the Swiss Upper Villa, the Palace Villa, and the Dutch House, give this place a unique character. It is therefore not surprising that the square is the cultural center of Szczawnica. Numerous cultural and music festivals take place there. Visitors can also enjoy the Medicinal Water Pavilion (more about which can be found in this article), which is impressive with its interior, and relax in a café, enjoying delicious coffee or ice cream while admiring the beauty of Dietl Square.

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    The promenade along the Grajcarek River

    Szczawnica’s Grajcarek River promenade blends nature with charming elements like the bridge of lovers and wooden gazebos for relaxation. A scenic route runs from the Palenica cable car station to Pienińska Street along the Dunajec River.

    8 km route in beautiful natural surroundings, and even go into the water, which makes many families with children happy on hot days. Another thing that makes the promenade attractive is the pedestrian and bicycle path named after Anna and Artur Werner, which people with disabilities and cyclists can easily use. This place can be chosen when you want to take an undemanding walk among beautiful natural surroundings, without requiring too much effort or professional equipment, or when you intend to continue on a longer trail to Slovakia along the Dunajec.

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    Lower and Upper Park

    Relaxation

    Upper Park

    The Upper Park in Szczawnica is the oldest spa park, which is not only an ideal place for a walk but also has health benefits thanks to the health trail with larch trees. It also features important buildings related to the history of Szczawnica, such as the Spa Chapel, the Inhalatorium, the concert shell, and statues commemorating important figures from the region. This is a place for relaxation, attracting visitors with its charm and the spirit of tradition.

    Lower Park

    The Lower Park in Szczawnica is a picturesque place with a rich history. Located along the Main Street, it offers many attractions and opportunities for relaxation. Here you can find: a grotto commemorating Mikołaj Zyblikiewicz, a fountain, a pond with colorful fish, mineral water from the “Wanda” spring, and gazebos in the Zakopane style. The diverse zones allow everyone to relax. Children can play in the playground and in the shade of the trees, botany enthusiasts can enjoy the diverse plant species, and tourists can relax in the natural surroundings.

  • Zdjęcie

    Explore Szczawnica’s Dunajec River via traditional boat trips or kayaking for stunning views. Visit a scenic spit near Grajcarek stream to see sculptures of pioneers Anna and Artur Werner and enjoy vistas of the river and Pieniny Mountains.

    Punkt widokowy

    Niewątpliwą atrakcją Szczawnicy jest położona w jego okolicach rzeka Dunajec, dzięki której można skorzystać ze spływów łodziami z przyodzianymi w lokalne stroje flisakami, którzy nie szczędzą żartów podczas około 2-godzinnej wycieczki, oraz z pływania kajakami, co pozwala na podziwianie widoków, które wiele osób opisuje jako wręcz nierzeczywiste.

    Przed wyruszeniem w drogę do miejsca, skąd organizuje się spływy, można, przechadzając się promenadą nad Grajcarkiem, w niecałą godzinę od centrum Szczawnicy znaleźć się na cyplu z widokiem na Dunajec. Znajduje się tam między innymi: drewniana rzeźba przedstawiająca pionierów sportu i turystyki w Pieninach - Annę i Artura Wernerów (od nich wywodzi się nazwa zawodów w kajakarstwie górskim - Memoriał Anny i Artura Wernerów - organizowanych w okresie letnim) oraz rzeźbę pawia wyplecionego z kwiatów. Jednak to, co zachwyca w tym miejscu najbardziej, to widok na rzekę, po której płynie czasem tuzin łodzi flisackich wypełnionych turystami oraz Pienińskie góry, które wydają się wić wzdłuż rzeki.

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    Palenica Cable Car

    Attractions

    You can reach Palenica (719 m above sea level) from Szczawnica on foot, crossing the bridge at Grajcarek near Dolna Stolica. Follow the yellow hiking trail. The climb should take about an hour. Alternatively, you can use the PKL cable car in Szczawnica, which operates year-round, with opening hours that may vary depending on the season.

    It’s worth taking the cable car, at least one way, to enjoy the amazing view of Szczawnica, the promenade along Grajcarek, and the Pieniny Mountains. At the top of Palenica, you can see sculptures depicting ants, bats, dragonflies, or mushrooms in an enlarged scale, use the gravity slide, or eat at the Szałas Groń mountain hut, and throughout the year, enjoy the breathtaking view of the Pieniny Mountains stretching to the horizon.

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    Built by the Polish Teachers’ Association on land from Count Stadnicki in 1922, this wooden chapel at Sewerynówka was built near a sanatorium (est. 1925) to serve patients due to its distance from town. It is an aesthetic and historic site.

    Zabytek

    Kościółek na Sewerynówce powstał z inicjatywy Związku Nauczycielstwa Polskiego. W 1922 r. organizacja uzyskała ziemię pod budowę małego sanatorium od hrabiego Stadnickiego, ówczesnego właściciela Szczawnicy. Placówkę oddano do użytku już w 1925 r, jednak ze względu na znaczną odległość od centrum miasta oraz religijnych potrzeb kuracjuszy postanowiono zbudować przy sanatorium drewnianą kaplicę.Warto ją odwiedzić ze względu na walory estetyczne i jej historię.

accommodation

Peaks and Attractions

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Szczawnica promontory

Szczawnica | Relaxation

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St. Wojciech Church

Szczawnica | architecture

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Zaskalnik Waterfall

Relaxation | Szczawnica

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Inhaler

Spa Town | Szczawnica Zdrój

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The chapel at Sewerynówka

Architecture | Szczawnica

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Guest House

Architecture | Szczawnica Spa Town

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Lower Park

Relaxation | Szczawnica Spa Town

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Promenade

Relaxation | Szczawnica Spa Town

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Bereźnik

Szczawnica | 843m | easy

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Orlica Mountain Shelter

Mountain shelter | Szczawnica Spa

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Brilliantine

Szczawnica | 679 m | easy

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Dietl Square

Spa Town | Szczawnica Spa

Mateusz Bis

Pitoniakówka (This likely refers to a specific place, possibly a bar or restaurant, named after someone or something related to pythons. Without more context, it's difficult to provide a more precise translation.)

Szczawnica | Spa Town

Mateusz Bis

Szymon’s water source

Szczawnica | Spa Town

Mateusz Bis

The Wanda water source

Szczawnica | Spa Town

Mateusz Bis

Viewpoint overlooking Upper Park

Szczawnica | Architecture

Explore Region

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Pieniny Mountains

Mountains for enthusiasts

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